To Be a Priestess
Content
To Be a Priestess By Rev. Dr. Tonya K. Freeman Definition – Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary Noun – a woman authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion; a woman regarded as a leader (as of a movement). Priestesses are known by many names, some of which are Shaman, Medicine Woman, Sangoma, Wise Woman, Oracle, Diviner, Curandera, Wu amongst others. These women are helping the village, the community and themselves to become healed and whole. Looking back on the history of Ancestral Priestesses, you will find that they not only performed ritual or entered states of trance, channeling the messages of the Great Ma, they were leaders facing the obstacles and challenges of patriarchy. Undaunted, these women led rebellions, taught the arts and sciences of living, and inspired others to tap into the depths of their soul. Today, many women who have been initiated into a Priestesshood are not doing all that they can do to assist others to their greatness; and then there are others who are doing exactly that - and are not recognized as Priestesses. To name a few, there’s Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Angelina Jolie, Sistah Souljah, Susun Weed, Prema Dasara, Dr. Cynthia Maung, Audri Scott Williams and thousands of others. You may ask why these women and not the typical religious leader? Because there are many ways to assist others along their path in life. All of these women are leaders and are acting on behalf of the Goddesses that they most personify. To me, Oprah represents the embodiment of a Priestess of Wealth. She shares information through the media, founded the Angel Network and is also a film producer, not to mention that she is always giving away wonderful presents. Audri Scott Williams is a local Georgia resident who is very instrumental in bringing youth and Elders together in a summit forum every two years. The international array of Elders share knowledge and wisdom with the youth and they in turn speak to what they as youth face in today’s world and how they can apply the ways of the Ancients to enhance life. She is currently on a three year Peace Walk with a small group of people who are working towards peaceful solutions. Dr. Cynthia Maung, is the founder of Mae Tao clinic in the town of Mae Sot bordering Thailand. She has won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for leadership in the community as well as other international awards. The Burmese refugees, political refugees and economic migrants are many whom Dr. Cynthia helps in her work. Surely, she is a Priestess of Healing Energy. Susun Weed is known throughout much of the healing community as the creator of the Wise Woman Tradition. She has written a number of books that speak to natural ways of healing breast cancer, fibroid tumors and the discomforts of menopause. Susun carries the essence of the Priestess of Medicinal Herbs.
The resurgence in Priestess trainings is a call to the women who feel moved to do something greater with their lives and to assist in helping to make this world a better place in which to live. I honor all who are facilitating the training and initiation process. This is truly a milestone in our “quest for nexus”. Initiates in the Femi9 Lodge are reminded of the duties of a Lodge Priestess. They are reminded that this is a process that speaks not to the misdirected ego but to the ultimate good. The idea of community and “it takes a village…” is instilled in each and every Priestess in Training, that they may do more than say the words, “I am a Priestess.” They are trained in the sciences of life. Volunteerism and fundraising is encouraged along with the concept of the sixty-four arts. Working towards a great gathering of women in 2008, we who are doing the work of the High Priestess of Creation know that it is imperative to reach as many women as possible who are seeking to embrace the ways of the Ancestral Mothers. Priestesses who are conducting rituals and ceremonies during the different Moon phases, equinoxes and solstices are key to shifting energy. This work is extremely important. A powerful Priestess knows that her magick is not necessarily greater than another’s. She knows there are many ways to heal and she honors the path of others. She understands that she is a role model for her village and does not do anything that is out of character, always maintaining the status of a well-respected woman. She knows that women hold the power of creation and she is careful about what she creates. Visit my blog at http://awakeningthedivawithin.com
The resurgence in Priestess trainings is a call to the women who feel moved to do something greater with their lives and to assist in helping to make this world a better place in which to live. I honor all who are facilitating the training and initiation process. This is truly a milestone in our “quest for nexus”. Initiates in the Femi9 Lodge are reminded of the duties of a Lodge Priestess. They are reminded that this is a process that speaks not to the misdirected ego but to the ultimate good. The idea of community and “it takes a village…” is instilled in each and every Priestess in Training, that they may do more than say the words, “I am a Priestess.” They are trained in the sciences of life. Volunteerism and fundraising is encouraged along with the concept of the sixty-four arts. Working towards a great gathering of women in 2008, we who are doing the work of the High Priestess of Creation know that it is imperative to reach as many women as possible who are seeking to embrace the ways of the Ancestral Mothers. Priestesses who are conducting rituals and ceremonies during the different Moon phases, equinoxes and solstices are key to shifting energy. This work is extremely important. A powerful Priestess knows that her magick is not necessarily greater than another’s. She knows there are many ways to heal and she honors the path of others. She understands that she is a role model for her village and does not do anything that is out of character, always maintaining the status of a well-respected woman. She knows that women hold the power of creation and she is careful about what she creates. Visit my blog at http://awakeningthedivawithin.com
